Precision locating fastening system

Abstract

A locator assembly and associated fastening assembly are described herein. The locator assembly may include a post locator and a receiver locator that combine to provide precision locating and attachment functions.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A fastener, comprising:
 a retractable stud adapted to be received into a first object, the retractable stud comprising:
 a first attachment portion adapted to engage a first interior surface formed in the first object; and 
 a tapered post comprising a second attachment portion and a first locating portion; and 
 
 a body adapted to be received into a second object, the retractable stud being releasably coupled to and axially biased within the body by a spring, the spring disposed within the body, the body comprising:
 a first engaging portion adapted to engage a second interior surface formed in the body with an interference fit; 
 a bore adapted to receive the tapered post, the bore comprising: 
 a third attachment portion adapted to cooperatively engage the second attachment portion; and 
 a second locating portion adapted to engage the first locating portion of the tapered post to align the retractable stud relative to the body. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the retractable stud further comprises a second engaging portion adapted to engage an interior surface of the second object with an interference fit. 
     
     
       3. The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises a bushing, and wherein an interior surface of the bushing comprises the second locating portion. 
     
     
       4. The fastener of  claim 3 , wherein the bushing is a rigid bushing. 
     
     
       5. The fastener of  claim 3  wherein the interior surface of the bushing is cylindrical. 
     
     
       6. The fastener of  claim 3 , wherein the interior surface of the busing is at least partially tapered. 
     
     
       7. The fastener of  claim 6 , wherein a taper angle of the first locating portion of the tapered post corresponds to a taper angle of the interior surface of the bushing. 
     
     
       8. The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the first locating portion comprises a precisionly formed surface. 
     
     
       9. The fastener of  claim 8 , wherein the precisionly formed surface of the locating portion has an average roughness, Ra, of eight. 
     
     
       10. The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the body is integrally formed within the second object.